Pope Francis and Argentina''s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner exchange gifts during a private audience at the Vatican.

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Pope Francis today shared a lunch which lasted two hours and a half at Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. It's the third time the Argentine head of state and Francis meet since the latter was elected pontiff one year ago.

The head of state arrived in Rome yesterday, and was received by former Internal Trade Secretary Guillermo Moreno as part of his new role as trade attaché with the Argentine embassy.

Today she visited the Santa Marta residence and after exchanging official gifts with Pope Francis, they shared a meal while the rest of the delegation held meetings with their Vatican counterparts.

After the encounter Cristina left for Ciampino, from where she travelled to France in order to meet with President Francois Hollande. In a press conference held before boarding the plane the head of state called for people to "listen more" to the pontiff.

"[The pope] made a strong appeal in order to maintain unity between the people of Latin America," she revealed, also criticising those who "go to take their photo [with Francis], but then do not listen to him."

Cristina also explained that the subject of world peace was also discussed, along with another issue of concern for the Pope: "the lack of work for young people." Domestic political subjects, according to the president, were not discussed.